The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 provide a statutory basis for the vetting of persons carrying out relevant work with children or vulnerable adults. The Act, commenced on 29th April 2016, also introduced electronic vetting (eVetting).

As part of South Dublin County Volunteer Centre’s commitment to support volunteering we provide a Garda Vetting service for not-for-profit groups in the Dublin city area. The service is available for organisations that wish to vet persons but who do not have access to a Liaison Person within their own organisation.

Who needs to be vetted

Any person who is carrying out work or activity, a necessary and regular part of which consists mainly of the person having access to, or contact with, children (under 18’s) or vulnerable adults. A relevant organisation shall not permit any person to undertake relevant work or activities on behalf of the organisation unless the organisation receives a vetting disclosure from the National Vetting Bureau in respect of that person. A person who contravenes this section shall be guilty of an offence.

what is a vulnerable adult?

A person, other than a child, who:

a) is suffering from a disorder of the mind, whether as a result of mental illness or dementia,
b) has an intellectual disability,
c) Is suffering from a physical impairment, whether as a result of injury, illness or age or
d) has a physical disability.

Which is of such a nature or degree:

i. As to restrict the capacity of the person to guard himself or herself against harm by another person, or
ii. That results in the person requiring assistance with the activities of daily living including dressing, eating, walking, washing and bathing.

who are the registered and relevant bodies?

South Dublin County Volunteer Centre is a Registered Organisation with the National Vetting Bureau. Our Liaison Persons work directly with the Bureau and can receive and pass on vetting disclosures to Affiliates/Relevant Bodies (the organisations that we vet on behalf of). Each affiliate appoints a Garda Vetting Officer to work with the Volunteer Centre in relation to vetting.

i. As to restrict the capacity of the person to guard himself or herself against harm by another person, orii. That results in the person requiring assistance with the activities of daily living including dressing, eating, walking, washing and bathing.

information about our vetting service

If you would like to find out more or ask about signing up for our service please email vetting@volunteersouthdublin.ie or phone 01 . 462 8558 You will need to register with the Centre, attend a training session and sign a Service Level Agreement before we can vet for you.

During your training you will receive all the necessary information and forms to guide you through the process. The administrative fee is €5-€7,50 per form, depending on the type of organisation.

how long does vetting take?

Since the introduction of electronic vetting (eVetting) it takes approximately one to two weeks for the forms to be processed by the National Vetting Bureau.